Potential use of artificial intelligence techniques in air traffic control

Abstract

A.I., or Artificial Intelligence, is a vast field that includes more than the so-called "Expert Systems" that the public seems to identify with A.I. In particular, research in A.I. has created an entirely new mode of operating with computers which raises the level of abstraction at which the computer user (and the programmer) interfaces with the computer, enabling systematic and economical handling of high-complexity problems. These techniques are particularly applicable to Air Traffic Control automation problems which exhibit a high degree of complexity, such as system-wide simulation experiments, flow control procedures, and tactical control supervision. In addition, specific A.I. techniques- such as Expert Systems - have unique specific applications in ATC, for example Airport Runway Configuration planning, passive visual radar, and others.